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A poll commissioned by Paul Tonko’s campaign shows that less than three months before the September primary, former Assemblyman and ex-NYSERDA CEO Paul Tonko is far ahead of the rest of pack of candidates, both in terms of name recognition and support.

According to the poll, which was conducted by Global Strategies interviewing 401 registered Democrats, Tonko had 42% of the vote, while Tracey Brooks had 14%, and Phil Steck had 6%. The poll has a margin of error of +/- 4.9%.

As for name recognition, Tonko has 56%, while Brooks has 18% name recognition and Steck has 14%.

The poll did not ask about the seven other candidates who have stated their intentions to run. It is highly likely that by the time petitions are finished, the field will narrow significantly.

Tonko certainly has an advantage going into the crazy season in this election, but as was noted earlier today, signs have not gone up in public places as of yet (that starts within the 60-day window, around July 12), so expect a blizzard of campaign signs over the next few weeks.

Steck and Brooks issued statements about the poll.

From the Steck campaign: “We’re not surprised that Paul Tonko’s own poll has him ahead. This campaign has just begun and with three months to go Tonko’s own poll shows that over one-third of voters are completely undecided. There is also no indication of whether the people who say they support Tonko are doing so simply because his was the only familiar name. His support may be an inch deep and we’ll have a chance to find out. We believe that when voters find out that Phil Steck is a candidate not surrounded by lobbyists and powerful interests, like energy companies, his support will continue to grow. That is what Phil is funding at the doors. Our campaign will have the resources, and the volunteers, to bring this message to voters over the next three months,” said Steck spokesman Tom Nardacci.

From the Brooks campaign: “It’s not surprising that Paul has high name recognition, after nearly thirty years in politics we’re surprised it’s not higher and while this poll is merely a snapshot months before primary day, it shows Tracey Brooks is one of two frontrunner’s in a pack of ten with twice as much support as the next closest candidate.
We are encouraged that Tracey Brooks has strong support, growing momentum, and a clear message of change that is resonating with the voters as tonight Tracey hosted a telephone town hall meeting with thousands of voters across all seven counties of the District talking about issues like ending the war in Iraq, passing a single payer health plan, protecting a woman’s right to choose and putting an end to out-of-control gas prices. What’s clear is the more voters get to know Tracey the more they like her,” said Brooks spokesman Kyle Kotary.

(full release after the jump)

TONKO HAS OVERWHELMING LEAD IN 21ST CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

Congressional candidate Paul Tonko holds a commanding lead over his Democratic opponents in the primary for the 21st Congressional District according to a poll released today. If the vote were held today, Democrats would choose Paul Tonko with 42% of the vote. Tonko’s closest rival came in at just 14%. Tonko showed strong support in all parts of the District, and was particularly strong in the part of the Congressional district that he used to represent in the Assembly.

“Our poll results are crystal clear: Paul Tonko is the 3-to-1 favorite among Democrats to succeed Mike McNulty,” said Jef Pollock of Global Strategy Group, the firm who conducted the poll. The survey of likely Democratic primary voters also showed an overwhelming lead in name recognition with 64% saying they were familiar with Tonko. His nearest rival’s name was recognized by just 23%.

“I entered this race to fight for affordable and accessible healthcare, an education system that values teachers and is focused on student achievement and an energy policy that strengthens our economy rather than strangles it,” said Tonko. “For the past month I have taken my message to the voters of the 21st Congressional District and heard their concerns. Working families are struggling under the burden of healthcare costs and inadequate coverage, business owners have been driven from the state because the cost of doing business is too high. Farmers are seeing property taxes and energy costs strangle the viability of farms that have been in their families for generations and I have stood with inner-city residents as they fight to revitalize their neighborhoods block by block and classroom by classroom in a hope that they too can secure a better future for their children.”

Tonko enjoys both broad and deep support within the Democratic Party. Three of the four endorsing county committees have endorsed Tonko. Prominent elected officials from throughout the District have also enthusiastically endorsed Tonko.

“As a former member of the New York State Assembly and an expert on energy, Tonko is clearly the kind of representative that we need in the Capital District,” said Michael Breslin, Albany County Executive. “I’ve known Paul for years and know that he will bring effective solutions to our very serious economic problems, ensure health care for all and bring an end to the war in Iraq. He has a proven record and I trust him to represent us in Washington.”

Susan Savage, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature reacted to the poll by saying, “The polling numbers show that Paul is the clear front runner in this race. People recognize that he has a proven track record and that we need Paul representing us in Congress. It is time to unite behind our strongest candidate.”

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